How Do You Locate That Access Point?

parp asks: "As an IT Manager I'm concerned about unauthorized Access Points being installed, or users who setup wireless computer to computer networks. How do you find the exact location of these devices? I've tried walking around the office with a laptop watching the signal, but the signal monitors that are included with most network drivers are very limited. The signal could be upstairs, downstairs or right around the corner, but I can't find it. Results of web searches I've done just tell you how to find a signal (wardrive), not the source. I'd be interested in any software or hardware device that can locate the device within a few feet."

Comments

What are you going to do once you find them?

[CyricZ]

It sounds as if these are the users own computers. If they were company computers, for instance, you could most likey remove such hardware. But since you're asking these questions, then that probably isn't the case.

As such, what exactly would you plan to do if you did happen to locate the individuals involved? Do you really think they'd let you mutilate their systems to prevent them from using wireless connectivity? I sure don't think they would. Would you yell at them? I'm sure they'd nod, and later on while having coffee call you a cockfool and then continue to use their wireless connectivity. Perhaps you could tell their manager, but then they could always deny it and claim that you're just harassing them.

Maybe you need to take another look at what the actual problem is, and what you can actually do about it. It sounds like your hands may very well be tied in this instance. This problem may be outside your jurisdiction as an IT manager.